Jimmy Lee Smithson

Jimmy Lee Smithson, age 72, of Marshall, Arkansas passed away from this life on Sunday, February 28, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Dongola, Arkansas on September 15, 1943 to Jack and Ola (Francis) Smithson. Jim married Beverly Ann Smith on September 27, 1964 and they had two daughters. He loved his girls and looked forward to their yearly trip to the Super Derby in Louisiana and to Hot Springs where they enjoyed watching the horse races. Jim graduated from Marshall High School in 1960. He attended college in Russellville and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from what now is known as Arkansas Tech University in 1968. He continued his studies and graduated from North East Louisiana College of Pharmacy in Monroe, La. in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He remained a licensed pharmacist until his death. Jim served the public most of his adult life. He served as the Searcy County School District Supervisor from 1971 to 1973 at which time he decided to step down and seek election for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He served as State Representative from January 1, 1984 till December 31, 1993 at which time he retired undefeated. After his tenure in the House, he continued to work as a registered pharmacist at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, AR until retiring in 2007. After much persuading from friends and citizens of Marshall, he once again returned to politics and was elected Mayor of Marshall. He served from January 1, 2010 till December 31, 2014, during which time his health started to decline. He was defeated in a bid for re-election, and six months later was placed in Hospice Care. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darwin Smithson; and sister, Bobbie Jean Blair. Survivors include Beverly; two daughters, Kim Ragland and Kristie (Randy) Ragland and their sister, Kara Tilley Richardson; six grandchildren, Keshia (Matt) Hinchey, Anna Ragland, Ashley Ragland, Jackson Ragland, Kaylee Richardson and Kynlee Richardson; two great-grandchildren, Jenah Hinchey and Tristan Perrigo; two brothers, James Dorphis Smithson and Jackie (Sandra) Smithson; six nieces, Kathy Adams, Brenda (Gary) Rogers, Jeanne (Greg) Tilley, Janie (Joey) Pruitt, Kayla Smithson and Erica Smithson; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews along with a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly. Funeral services for Jim will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Mike Proctor officiating. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. preceding the service. Burial will be in Dongola Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sammy Richardson, Matt Hinchey, Lamar Horton, Gary Rogers, Steve Wright and Don Koppenhaver. Honorary pallbearers will be Willis Dale Horton, Coy England, Jerry Patterson, George Daniel and Charles Daniel.